Glenda Mccollum Rawls

Glenda McCollum Rawls passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020. She was 67 years old. She was born on April 10, 1952 in Rockmart Ga.

Glenda is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Gary W Rawls, brother - Chuck McCollum (Sandra), nieces: Renee Worthy Hopkins (Kenneth) and Morgan Rawls Rettig (Adam), nephews: Ryan Worthy (Sherry) and Jay McCollum, brother and sister in law. Johnny and Kathy Rawls, great-nephews: Will Weaver, Weslee Weaver, Dylan McCollum, and Levi Rettig, great nieces: Payton Worthy and Bailey McCollum, and great-great-nephew, Zayne Sherfield.

Glenda was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Eunice Motes McCollum, sister - Dianne McCollum Worthy (Bill), and stepmother -Hazel Bowling McCollum.

Glenda graduated from CHS in 1970. Then she continued her education at University of West GA, earning a BS in Education and completing her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. She also completed an Educational Specialist degree in Reading. She started her teaching career in Cedartown at Westside Elementary in 1979. Glenda began a long and successful career with Fulton County Schools. She started out in the classroom, but Glenda’s excellent interpersonal skills soon led her to become an Instructional Resource Teacher where she was able to do what she did best - help teachers. She was very intelligent, and her knowledge of curriculum soon led to other career paths. She was able to help implement many innovative educational programs. After retiring as Assistant Superintendent from Fulton County Schools , she enjoyed a traveling job as a Trainer/Support Leader for Voyager Expanded Learning, continuing to use those interpersonal skills as she worked with teachers.

Glenda was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and wife to her family throughout her life. She lost her mom at an early age, but she enjoyed a treasured relationship with her Dad until his death in 2016. She was an excellent caregiver to him and her step - mom. Her nieces and nephews were close to her heart, always. She comforted, supported and encouraged them throughout her life. She took on a nurturing role and was always there to help them in any way possible. Glenda adored her animals so much, and they adored her as well. She was an amazing friend to others. She loved her friends like family. Everyone that met Glenda loved her!

Glenda’s love story with Gary began in 1980. They adored each other immediately, and their love continued to grow more deeply. They shared a love of travel, nature, animals, music, reading and love for life. Gary’s devotion and love for Glenda throughout their marriage was only intensified during her illness.

During her retirement, she loved being an advocate for CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate of Dade and Walker County. She did what she loved, which was standing up for the best interest of children.

Glenda made friends everywhere she lived. She could cook like no other! She had a green thumb and enjoyed growing herbs and beautiful flowers. She loved her home, neighbors, and neighborhood on Lookout Mountain. Her friends and family will forever miss her devotion to them!

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 22, 2020 at Smith & Miller Funeral Home from 11:00 am until 12 noon.

Services to celebrate her life will be held immediately following the visitation in the chapel of Smith & Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Dave Grove and Rev. Ray Hopkins officiating.

The family has requested that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions can be made in her memory to: Masonic Children's Home, 14 Nottingham Dr., Macon, GA, 31211.

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Glenda McCollum Rawls.